CSA Accepts Osieck Resignation

Ottawa, Ontario  The Canadian Soccer Association today announced it has received and accepted the resignation of Canadian Men's World Team Head Coach and Technical Director Holger Osieck, effective immediately.

The CSA will immediately begin the search for a replacement. Men's World Cup Team Assistant Coach Colin Miller will handle the head coaching responsibilities for Canada's international friendly against Finland on October 11, in Tampere, Finland. A new head coach is expected to be chosen and in place by December, 2003.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank Holger publicly for his commitment and accomplishments with the Men's World Cup Team, said CSA President Andy Sharpe. Both sides agreed that it was time for us to move in a new direction.

Osieck was hired by the CSA on September 29, 1998 and in five years posted a record of 20-9-17 in 46 games in charge of the Men's World Cup Team. In 2000, the team won the CONCACAF Gold Cup and earned a berth in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. Canada reached the semi-final round of World Cup Qualifying in the summer of 2000, defeating Cuba in a playoff but failed to reach the Final Round. In 2002, the team earned a bronze medal at the Gold Cup.

As Technical Director, Osieck oversaw the implementation of the Blueprint for Success and the restructuring of the coaching program.

There comes a moment in every coach's career when it is time to move on and that moment has come for me, said Osieck. I have truly enjoyed my experiences with the Canadian squad and will look back on many fond memories. I wish the team well in the future.